HABITAT 2330
Overview
H2330: Inland dunes with open Corynephorus and Agrostis grasslands
Occurring in 494 European Nature 2000 sites, this habitat (3.5 kmq.) is present only in the Continental Region of Italy.
Conservation status: favourable for structure/functions and future perspectives, but bad for range, area, complex. Unknown trend.
European Red List of Habitats: Endangered. Loss of this habitat in the project area (more than 70% over the last 60 years) has mainly been caused by the smoothing of inland sand dunes for agricultural and sand extraction purposes; and abandonment, with consequent closing of the habitat.
Compared with the other European occurences of this habitat, the peculiarities of the Italian one include its localization at the southern limit of its distribution range, its characteristic floristic composition, and the presence of soil biological crusts (unique in the Po Plain), with typical lichen flora and vegetation (Cladonia portentosa, Attachment IV Directive Habitat, seems strongly associated with this habitat).
Corynephorus canescens is a Red List Endangered species in Italy.
Due to its limited occurrence, H2330 should be of priority interest in Italy. Corynephorus grasslands have become rarer throughout Europe.
Threats at the project sites: invasion of non-native and native woody species, soil N increase, absence of an efficient management model, and abandonment. Without appropriate management actions, this habitat is destined to disappear in about 20 years. Area of actions 9.670 mq.
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